Australia Responds to Türkiye's Proposal for Joint COP31 Hosting

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Australia has poured cold water on the idea it could jointly lead the world’s biggest climate conference with Türkiye.

Both countries have days to try to resolve the years-long standoff over hosting rights for the 2026 United Nations climate conference as this year’s COP30 in Brazil draws to a close.

The mounting pressure has reportedly led Türkiye to propose a joint presidency model with Australia, which would include sharing hosting duties for high-level meetings and jointly steering negotiations.

But Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain has downplayed the suggestion.

During an interview with ABC News on Monday, she emphasized the importance of allowing these discussions to unfold naturally. Her comments highlighted the critical nature of these conversations in shaping future policies and agreements.

She further elaborated on the rationale behind hosting the COP event in collaboration with Pacific Island neighbors. The intention, she explained, was to provide attendees with a firsthand understanding of the realities faced by communities already affected by pressing environmental issues. By bringing the event to this region, they aimed to create a deeper awareness of the challenges these communities encounter daily.

Meanwhile, Bowen addressed the complexities involved in reaching a consensus with Türkiye. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged the difficulties but underscored the necessity of finding common ground. The negotiations with Türkiye are pivotal, as they play a crucial role in the broader context of international agreements and collaborations.

Before his departure on Saturday, he maintained Australia had the “overwhelming support of the world” to host the event.

However, the United Nations’ annual Conference of the Parties lacks provisions to break deadlocks over such disputes, with the scenario relying on one side or the other voluntarily withdrawing.

“That means we need to reach an agreement with Türkiye — that’s difficult,” Bowen told reporters.

“I do know it’s in Australia’s best interest to be COP president and to host COP.”

In a bid to break the stalemate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier in November.

But Türkiye has refused to back down, saying its candidacy emphasises cooperation and inclusiveness and aims to put greater focus on financing for developing countries while showcasing its progress towards a 2053 net zero emissions goal.

This year’s climate change conference is expected to wrap up on Friday, and Bowen has said the hosting deal will be decided by then.

If it remains undecided, Germany — as the home of the UN climate headquarters — may have to take on the responsibility for the 2026 conference.

The annual talks rotate through five regional groups, with COP31’s host needing to be unanimously agreed upon by the 28 members of the “Western Europe and Others Group” bloc, which includes Australia and Türkiye.